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Posted: 11/3/2019 4:09:57 PM EDT
[#1]
BCM Mod4 is tits. Get the older style is you can find one.
Quit bending stuff that isn't supposed to bend |
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Posted: 11/3/2019 4:18:53 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
BCM Mod4 is tits. Get the older style is you can find one. Quit bending stuff that isn't supposed to bend |
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Posted: 11/3/2019 4:53:51 PM EDT
[#3]
The latch is different. Prefer the older style but you might not notice any difference if you've never used one
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Posted: 11/3/2019 5:46:20 PM EDT
[#4]
PSA charging handles are junk imo and are the flimsiest I have ever seen. Otherwise, I'm borderline ok with much of their other products. For basic mil-spec CHs, I've been using Colt (cage code types). But they're pretty proud of them imo.
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Posted: 11/3/2019 6:09:36 PM EDT
[#5]
For basic CHs, Colt/RRA/DD/DSArms is all I use.
Forged handles and you will not bend them. |
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Posted: 11/3/2019 7:17:52 PM EDT
[#6]
I had a BCM and loved it. I like my Geissele ACH the most, Radian second most, and BCM third. For the price it's certainly hard to beat.
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Posted: 11/3/2019 7:20:40 PM EDT
[#7]
BCM is great. I like the new style. The sizing is different so if you prefer the old medium you will want a new large latch.
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Posted: 11/4/2019 6:17:43 AM EDT
[#8]
Vltor owns the design for the old BCM charging handles, they're making them under their own name now.
https://www.skdtac.com/Vltor-5-56-Charging-Handle-p/vlt.118.htm |
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Posted: 11/4/2019 7:22:51 AM EDT
[#9]
"How important is the charging handle?"
Pretty important, can't use the rifle without it. Next question. |
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Posted: 11/4/2019 11:29:03 AM EDT
[#10]
For me the flashy features aren't as important as the construction. What I look for in a charging handle is Forged 7075. Cheap charging handles are usually extruded 6061 and will likely wear and bend much easier. It's not worth saving $10.
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Posted: 11/4/2019 11:38:01 AM EDT
[#11]
I like the VLTOR/BCM charging handle, but I like Radian's design better.
If I was looking for an upgraded charging handle I'd buy a Radian or a Geissele. |
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Posted: 11/4/2019 11:52:37 AM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
I started looking into charging handles and it sounds like the BCM Gunfighter is well-regarded. My LGS has them for $50, so I went in to look at them just now and I really can’t tell if its a significant upgrade over the PSA one. Yes, the BCM CH will be a significant upgrade to the PSA one. No, the BCM handle will not bend under normal use/handling. It also makes left-hand manipulation of the CH much easier. I've been using an original VLTOR/BCM Gunfighter for a dozen + (whenever they first came out) and had zero issues...it just works and you'll never think about it. I also have one of the newer BCM Mod4B on another upper, works just as well. |
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Posted: 11/4/2019 5:33:01 PM EDT
[#13]
get an ambi radian or bcm CH.
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Posted: 11/6/2019 7:28:20 PM EDT
[#14]
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Posted: 11/6/2019 8:14:29 PM EDT
[#15]
OP without the charging handle you have an expensive hammer so yes it is important. Dunno how you bent yours but even 6061 charging handles don't bend that easily. Having said that purchase a mil-spec charging handle that is made of 7075T6 aluminum and you will be good to go. If you have money to throw away you can get even fancier charging handles that have their respective pros and cons for the coin and name.
Is the juice worth the squeeze IMHO for some sort of upgraded charging handle................no. I roll with mil-spec 7075T6 charging handles as do approximately 98% of the .mil does and we punch more than holes in paper with our rifles  . I hope this helps bro.
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Posted: 11/6/2019 8:30:48 PM EDT
[#16]
I've been shooting AR15s recreationally and in matches since the mid 1980s, I have owned more than 20 and in that time I have never had one single problem with a charging handle nor have I ever known anyone who has.
IMHO it is merely a way to sell a $20 part for $100. |
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Posted: 11/6/2019 8:38:30 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been shooting AR15s recreationally and in matches since the mid 1980s, I have owned more than 20 and in that time I have never had one single problem with a charging handle nor have I ever known anyone who has. IMHO it is merely a way to sell a $20 part for $100. |
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Posted: 11/6/2019 8:39:21 PM EDT
[#18]
I’m back to basic mil on handles.
Ar 15s are $100 bill shredders if you let them be. And after my 4th fancy charging handle I asked myself what the real added value was? And couldn’t come up with an honest answer. I can rack my rifle just as fast, reach it under an optic just as easily, it doesn’t jab into my stomach. And so on. I’m on my 9th rifle build and will probably skip boutique charging handles in the future. |
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Posted: 11/6/2019 8:49:53 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I’m back to basic mil on handles. Ar 15s are $100 bill shredders if you let them be. And after my 4th fancy charging handle I asked myself what the real added value was? And couldn’t come up with an honest answer. I can rack my rifle just as fast, reach it under an optic just as easily, it doesn’t jab into my stomach. And so on. I’m on my 9th rifle build and will probably skip boutique charging handles in the future. |
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Posted: 11/6/2019 8:59:24 PM EDT
[#20]
Geissele Super charging handles are uber high quality. Ambi in case you're injured and don't snag on things like some of the most popular handles can. Also easy to operate wearing gloves.
Of course the Geissele is a $100 bill shredder too. |
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Posted: 11/7/2019 11:24:11 PM EDT
[#21]
It's pricy, but I love my Radian Raptor.
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Posted: 11/7/2019 11:25:26 PM EDT
[#22]
Ya my buddies say Radian this, Geissele that etc etc......mine is a 6061 T6 FORGED (not extruded) traditional handle and its just fine...….6061...the horror.
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Posted: 11/8/2019 12:30:23 AM EDT
[#23]
Get the BCM Gunfighter medium. It just plain works.
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Posted: 11/8/2019 10:08:42 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For me the flashy features aren't as important as the construction. What I look for in a charging handle is Forged 7075. Cheap charging handles are usually extruded 6061 and will likely wear and bend much easier. It's not worth saving $10. In the case of the PSA T6061 version v. the 7075 T6 version... it is 5 bucks. So make sure it is 7075 T6. As for the benefits from the fancy ones... the extended handles sure make it easier if your rifle is scoped. Buy a respected brand... and don't look back. Buy one from a Black Friday sale to save money. |
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Posted: 11/9/2019 8:09:00 PM EDT
[#25]
As a southpaw, good ambidextrous charging handles are important to me so I have changed out all my standard charging handles to Raptors.
The larger levers make it easier to charge from either side without being so large that they poke or snag when slung. They are also easier to get at when optics are mounted. |
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Posted: 11/9/2019 10:53:18 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryThis is a nice option if you feel the need for a non std charging handle
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Posted: 11/11/2019 1:19:29 PM EDT
[#27]
The charging handle on my PSA Freedom upper survived being kick-started and ultimately being rammed against a steel support to clear a misfeed from a mag whose feed lips had split.
It's still straight, works fine. Although now I know another reason for an extended charging handle. |
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Posted: 11/11/2019 1:22:02 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
The charging handle that came with my PSA upper appears to be a piece of crap. I can bend it easily with my hands, in fact it has so much excessive wear on it I took it out to look closer and saw that it wasn’t straight so I straightened it with my hands, but of course I wasn’t able to completely straighten it. The rifle still works fine, but I started looking into charging handles and it sounds like the BCM Gunfighter is well-regarded. My LGS has them for $50, so I went in to look at them just now and I really can’t tell if its a significant upgrade over the PSA one. It appears to be the same dimensions and of course I wasn’t able to test how strong it is so I guess that’s kind of what I’m asking. Will the BCM get easily bent out of shape? Is this $50 well-spent or should I spend the money on something else? I have an RDS and am pretty happy with the rest of the rifle so all I really need now is a sling. Thank you, Josiah |
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Posted: 11/11/2019 3:41:32 PM EDT
[#29]
Great CS reply from PSA!!! I have never bought from PSA but I will now.
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Posted: 11/11/2019 7:28:07 PM EDT
[#30]
The charging handles that come with PSA Freedom rifles...
Are they 6061 or 7075 T6? I checked but didn't see it mentioned on the site. |
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Posted: 11/11/2019 11:01:07 PM EDT
[#31]
The Geissele ACH is used by USASOC. That's all you need to know.
The BCM charging handles? Only used by serious trigger pullers. 
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Posted: 11/12/2019 8:23:11 AM EDT
[#32]
Since I can't seem to nail down info on the stock PSA charging handle, I suspect it's 6061. No big deal, I was just curious.
I'd like to upgrade, but since we're so close to the holidays, I'll wait and see what the sales bring. I'd like to get a BCM or Raptor, along with some other stuff, and I'm hoping the holiday sales will be substantial. Given the year ahead, I feel like this is a good time to stock up. |
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Posted: 11/12/2019 11:36:19 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Since I can't seem to nail down info on the stock PSA charging handle, I suspect it's 6061. No big deal, I was just curious. I'd like to upgrade, but since we're so close to the holidays, I'll wait and see what the sales bring. I'd like to get a BCM or Raptor, along with some other stuff, and I'm hoping the holiday sales will be substantial. Given the year ahead, I feel like this is a good time to stock up. FWIW, DSArms has a solid milspec handle/forged 7075 for like $15. I have a couple, gtg. Eta link: DSA |
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Posted: 11/12/2019 11:56:10 AM EDT
[#34]
As a few people have already mentioned....make sure it is 7075 and you should be GTG.
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Posted: 11/12/2019 11:56:51 AM EDT
[#35]
I’ll be going with a Radian Raptor for my pistol build, for a few reasons:
Vet discount Additional discount when paired with a Talon selector (-$4.50) The OD color option for both If I like it well enough, I’ll probably get an FDE Raptor for my carbine that currently sports a BCM medium latch. |
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Posted: 11/12/2019 11:58:13 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: If you PM me your order number, I can send you a good one. I apologize that the one you got is not working well for you. Thank you, Josiah Question... Is there a way to tell the 7075 versions from the 6061's? At this point I probably have 6 or 7 in a pile, plus what are on the rifles, and I can no longer remember what is what. |
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Posted: 11/12/2019 12:12:00 PM EDT
[#37]
I'd just wait to see if Stag has a sale on some for Black Friday.
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Posted: 11/12/2019 1:32:09 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd just wait to see if Stag has a sale on some for Black Friday. |
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Posted: 11/12/2019 1:50:40 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'd just wait to see if Stag has a sale on some for Black Friday. |
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Posted: 11/12/2019 8:18:05 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ouch. |
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Posted: 11/12/2019 8:32:32 PM EDT
[#41]
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Posted: 11/12/2019 8:42:39 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryAh, okay. So, scratch that one off the list. Hoping for some good Black Friday deals. I have a feeling this is going to be the last, good Black Friday for gun parts and accessories as far as availability and price goes, although I hope to be wrong on that. |
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Posted: 11/12/2019 8:49:09 PM EDT
[#43]
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Posted: 11/12/2019 9:33:35 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryNot a fan of coatings personally, but DSA has always been gtg IMO. Industry Partner here and Mike has excellent CS relations. |
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Posted: 11/13/2019 7:14:06 AM EDT
[#45]
I can't find any reviews of it, but it looks nice. And I like the color. But, I don't have any experience with that finish, though.
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Posted: 11/13/2019 10:08:31 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I can't find any reviews of it, but it looks nice. And I like the color. But, I don't have any experience with that finish, though. And you may not like the looks of it as it wears. But hell, for the price, why not? |
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Posted: 11/13/2019 3:43:11 PM EDT
[#47]
Bought a couple of their steel ones on sale before. They have a new one that's all steel but I have not tried it. https://www.dsarms.com/p-16855-dsa-ar15-forged-steel-charging-handle-with-warz-extended-latch-phosphate-finish.aspx
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Posted: 11/13/2019 7:24:51 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you PM me your order number, I can send you a good one. I apologize that the one you got is not working well for you. Thank you, Josiah Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The charging handle that came with my PSA upper appears to be a piece of crap. I can bend it easily with my hands, in fact it has so much excessive wear on it I took it out to look closer and saw that it wasn’t straight so I straightened it with my hands, but of course I wasn’t able to completely straighten it. The rifle still works fine, but I started looking into charging handles and it sounds like the BCM Gunfighter is well-regarded. My LGS has them for $50, so I went in to look at them just now and I really can’t tell if its a significant upgrade over the PSA one. It appears to be the same dimensions and of course I wasn’t able to test how strong it is so I guess that’s kind of what I’m asking. Will the BCM get easily bent out of shape? Is this $50 well-spent or should I spend the money on something else? I have an RDS and am pretty happy with the rest of the rifle so all I really need now is a sling. Thank you, Josiah Thanks to everyone who has replied to this thread, I appreciate all the input. |
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Posted: 11/14/2019 2:17:51 PM EDT
[#49]
I had a turd charging handle turn a rifle into a single shot a few years back. Looked at extractor tension, gas, etc. then happened to notice the CH was slightly bent & rubbing on the upper receiver. Replaced with a BCM I had on hand & no issues since.
x15 on making sure it’s at least a decent 7075 part. |
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Posted: 11/15/2019 8:05:38 PM EDT
[#50]
Just ordered a Raptor LT ambidextrous CH for $49 on sale from DSG Arms. I was also looking at the BCM CH, but everyone seems to like the Raptor better. Good price?
The BCM was also $49, but popular opinion swayed me to the LT. |
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